Method and system for linking casino games and on-line social network games

ABSTRACT

Social media activities associated with an on-line social media system are linked to casino game activities and casino gaming machines. A player of a casino gaming machine may access a social media website via the casino gaming machine, such as to play a social media game at the casino gaming machine. A player may also access the social media system from a presentation computing device and, via that system, link to a casino gaming machine to play one or more casino wagering games. Social media currency and casino monetary credits may be exchanged or converted and other aspects of casino game play and social media activities may be integrated.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/598,296, filed Jan. 16, 2015, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,388,105,which is continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/415,183,filed Mar. 8, 2012, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,956,211, which priorapplications are incorporated by reference as if set forth herein intheir entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to casino-style games such as wageringgames presented at slot and video gaming machines or gaming tables, aswell as to on-line social networking sites and games presented via saidsites.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of gaming environments have been created. For example, variouson-line gaming platforms have been created. Players may utilize theircomputers to access web-based games. These games may include wageringtype games and, more commonly, promotional or “for pleasure” games.

Casinos also offer various forms of wagering games. These gamesgenerally include wager-based table games and video and slot-type gamespresented at gaming machines. These games can generally only be playedif a player travels to a casino.

One additional form of gaming platform comprises the dedicated homegaming unit. Such units include the Nintendo Wii®, Microsoft X-Box® andSony Playstation® game units. These units enable users to play games viatheir home televisions.

Each of these gaming systems or environments offers a different playerexperience. However, each gaming experience is generally segregated fromthe others. For example, a player might play games at home via theirX-Box® gaming unit. In order to play a casino gaming machine or tablegame, however, a player must travel to a casino.

Another aspect of existing gaming platforms or environments is that theycan be isolating. For example, a player of their X-Box® gaming unit mayplay all alone in their house, or a player might sit and play a casinogaming machine alone.

In some cases the existing gaming platforms allow a player to interactwith other players. However, this interaction is generally very limitedto other players on the same platform. For example, a Wii® player mightlink their game to other Wii® game players. Likewise, a player of acasino table game may interact with other players at the same gametable. This interaction, however, is very limited.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention comprise methods and systems which linkcasino-style games, such as wagering games presented at slot or videogaming machines or gaming tables, to on-line social networks and socialmedia games.

In one embodiment of the invention, a system and method permit a playerto play a social media game via a casino gaming machine. In anotherembodiment of the invention, a system and method permit a player to playa casino game which is offered by a casino gaming machine at theplayer's presentation computing device, via a social media site orserver.

As one aspect of a system of the invention, a player has an account witha social media site or network. The player may access their account viaa presentation computing device, such as their home computer. The playermay engage in social networking and related activities via the socialmedia server or system. In addition, however, the player may seek toplay a wagering game which is offered by a casino gaming machine whichis located at casino. The social media system or server links to such acasino gaming machine so that a game offered by that machine can beplayed by the user via their presentation computing device.

Likewise, in accordance with such a system, a player may engage inwagering game play at the casino gaming machine. In addition, however,the player may access their social media account or otherwise link tothe social media system or server from the casino gaming machine. In oneembodiment of the invention, the player may then play one or more socialmedia games which are offered by the social media system or server atthe casino gaming machine.

As another aspect of the invention, social media game and casino gameactivities may be linked or impact one another. In one embodiment, aplayer may convert social media game points or currency into monetarycredits which are usable for casino game play or vice versa.

The methods and system of the invention also allow a player of a casinogaming machine to link their casino game play and their socialnetworking activities. For example, a player of a game at a casinogaming machine may link to other parties via a social media network,thus allowing the other parties to watch or engage in the player's playof the game. In addition, such a configuration of the invention permitsa user of a social media network to link to a casino gaming machineplayer.

In accordance with the invention, casino game play and social mediaexperiences are linked or merged.

Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention overthe prior art will become apparent from the detailed description of thedrawings which follows, when considered with the attached figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 diagrammatically illustrates one embodiment of a system inaccordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 diagrammatically illustrates a configuration of the invention inwhich a casino gaming machine displays content provided by a socialmedia site server;

FIG. 3 diagrammatically illustrates a configuration of the invention inwhich a casino wagering game is presented at a computer of a socialmedia site user;

FIG. 4 illustrates a display of a casino gaming machine whichsimultaneously displays wagering game information and social media siteinformation;

FIG. 5 diagrammatically illustrates a configuration of the invention inwhich information regarding a wagering game being played by a player ofa casino gaming machine is presented to a third party via a social mediasite server; and

FIG. 6 diagrammatically illustrates one configuration of a casino gamingmachine having a secondary interface for facilitating features of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a more thorough description of the present invention.It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that thepresent invention may be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, well-known features have not been described in detailso as not to obscure the invention.

Embodiments of the invention comprise methods and systems which linkcasino-style games, such as wagering games presented at slot or videogaming machines or gaming tables, to on-line social networks and socialmedia games. In general, the methods and systems of the invention permita player to play a social media game via a casino gaming machine or playa casino game via a social media site. In one embodiment, social mediagame and casino game activities may be linked or impact one another. Inone embodiment, a player may convert social media game points orcurrency into monetary credits which are usable for casino game play orvice versa. The methods and system of the invention also allow a playerof a casino game to link their casino game play and social networkingactivities, including by allowing a player of a casino game to link toother parties via a social media network or by allowing a user of asocial media network to link to a casino game player. Additional aspectsof the invention, including the various embodiments thereof, will bedescribed in more detail below.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, a system 20 comprises oneor more presentation devices 22 (it being understood that while theremay be two or more presentation devices 22, for convenience herein, thesystem is primarily described relative to a player's use of a“presentation device 22”), one or more social media network or websiteservers 24 (it being understood that while there may be numerous socialmedia servers 24, for convenience herein, the system 20 is primarilydescribed relative to a single “social media server 24”), and a casinogaming machine 26.

The presentation device 22 may be a dedicated/special purpose device ormay be a general purpose device. The presentation device 22 ispreferably an electronic device, and more preferably a computing device.The presentation device 22 may include at least one video display 28capable of displaying game information, at least one player input device30, and at least one communication interface.

The presentation device 22 might comprise, for example, a desktopcomputer 32, a telephone (including cellular, wireless or wiredtelephones) or PDA 34 (such as an iPhone®), a laptop or notebookcomputer 36, or various other devices. As indicated, the presentationdevice 22 might also comprise a special purpose device such as aspecially configured gaming tablet.

The player input device 30 might comprise, for example, a keyboard,mouse, joystick, touch-screen, button(s), track-balls or other devicesnow known or later configured and which are capable of receiving inputfrom a player. The communication interface is preferably configured topermit information or data to be exchanged from one or more remotedevice or locations with the presentation device 22. The one or morecommunication interface might support wired or wireless communicationsusing various protocols. For example, if the presentation device 22 is aPDA, the communications might be by 3G, 4G, IMT, GSM or the like. If thepresentation device 22 is a desktop computer, the communications mightbe by TCP/IP or the like. Of course, other protocols may be used such asBluetooth, 802.11xx and the like.

It will be appreciated that the presentation device 22 may include othercomponents. For example, the presentation device 22 may include a mainprocessor, a video and/or audio processor, input and output ports or thelike.

The social media server 24 is preferably configured to host one or moresocial media websites. Such sites may have various forms, includingoffering various content and features. Preferably, in at least oneembodiment, the social media server 24 offers one or more social mediagames to a player. Such games may have various forms. In one preferredembodiment, the games may be casino-like, but are not casino-style inthat they are offered for pleasure or promotion only. Thus, while thesocial media games might require a player to utilize social media pointsor currency, the games are preferably not monetary casino-style games(wherein a player is required to place a monetary or monetary-equivalentwager).

One example of a social media server 24 comprises the server or systemwhich hosts the well known Facebook™ social media site. Such a siteoffers various social media/networking features, including the abilityof users to post information, such as personal information, which isaccessible to other parties. In addition, the site offers non-monetarywagering games such as Perfect Poker, WSOP Poker, Zynga Poker, PokerMadness and others. These games may be played for social media points orcurrency. While a player may purchase the points or currency for use inplaying these games, the points themselves have no “redemption value” inthe sense that they do not have a monetary value equivalent (unlikecasino game credits, as described below wherein each credit has anassociated monetary value).

Such social media servers or systems 24 are well known. In oneembodiment, the social media server 24 comprises means for generatingresponse data or information. Such means may comprise at least oneprocessor. The processor is configured generate game information, suchas based upon the execution of machine readable game code (i.e.software). Of course, the processor could also be pre-programmed orconfigured as hardware configured to generate such game data.

In one embodiment, the social media server 24 includes means for storinginformation or instructions. Such means may comprise one or more memorydevices. Such might comprise RAM, ROM (including EPROM, EEPROM, PROM) orother devices now known or later developed. The social media server 24might include one or more other memory devices, such as for storing gamestate information or the like, as detailed below. In one embodiment, thesocial media server 24 might comprise or be in communication with one ormore mass data storage devices, such as one or more hard drives or thelike.

Preferably, the social media server 24 is preferably configured to storeuser information. As indicated above, such might comprise personalinformation regarding the user, some or all of which may be availablefor access or viewing by third parties. The social media server 24 maybe configured to generate and present other information. For example, asdescribed above, the social media server 24 may be configured to presentone or more social media or on-line games. In one embodiment, the storedinformation may comprise user information, such as a user's personalinformation. Such information may be stored in association with a user'saccount.

The social media server 24 preferably also includes at least onecommunication interface, by which the social media server 24 may receiveand transmit information. As with the presentation devices 22, thecommunication interface(s) may permit communications in accordance withvarious protocols and in various forms. In one embodiment, thecommunication interface may be configured so that the server 24 maytransmit and receive data in accordance with a TCP/IP protocol over awired network link with the Internet.

The social media server 24 might actually comprise a system or networkof a plurality of elements or device For example, the social mediaserver 24 might comprise a network or system which includes multipleservers and related devices such as data storage devices, user interfacefeatures and the like. Such might comprise, for example, a user stationwhich includes a video display and one or input devices (such as akeyboard, mouse or the like). Such a user station may permit an operatorto interface with and manage or control the social media server 24, suchas to change operator settings and the like. The social media server 24might also comprise a router and one or more separate computing devices.The functions of the various computing devices might be segregated. Forexample, one computing device or server might provide core social mediafunctions while another server might support or enable social media sitegaming-related activity.

As described in more detail below, at one or more times a presentationdevice 22 and the social media server 24 are linked by a communicationlink 38 between their communication interfaces. The type ofcommunication link may vary, such as depending upon the particular typeof presentation device 22 and/or the communication path or protocolwhich is utilized.

In one embodiment, the presentation device 22 and the social mediaserver 24 may communicate through at least one network. Such a networkmight comprise a public and/or private network, including the Internet,a cellular network, a satellite communication network or the like. Thenetwork may comprise wired and/or wireless links or pathways. Of course,the communication link might comprise a dedicated link, such as adedicated wired link between the devices. Further, the communicationlink might comprise a number of local, wide area or other networks orpathways linked together.

As indicated above, the system 20 preferably also includes one or moregaming machines 26. In a preferred embodiment, the gaming machines 26are traditional casino-style gaming machines which are located at acasino (and as such are referred to as “casino gaming machines”). Asdescribed below, the casino gaming machines 26 may be part of a gamingsystem, such as a casino gaming system which links multiple of thegaming machines, one or more table games and other devices such askiosks, accounting systems or servers, progressive systems or servers,player tracking systems or servers or the like.

Such traditional casino-style gaming machines 26 may have a plurality offeatures. For example, such a traditional casino gaming machine 26 mayinclude a housing or cabinet 62 for enclosing/supporting variouscomponents of the gaming machine. The housing 62 may have a variety ofconfigurations. In one embodiment, as illustrated, the housing 62 isconfigured so that the machine has an “upright” configuration. Thecasino gaming machine 26 might also be configured as a “slant”-type,“bar-top” or have other forms.

In one embodiment, the casino gaming machine 26 may be configured as a“video” type gaming machine, the machine including at least one display64 for displaying game information to a player. The casino gamingmachine 26 may include other means for providing information to aplayer. For example, speakers (not shown) or other devices may beprovided for generating sound associated with the game. The casinogaming machine 26 may also include lights, printed instructions andother displays/display devices.

The games presented by the gaming machine(s) may be wagering type gameswherein a player must place a bet or wager in order to play the game forthe opportunity to receive winnings. Preferably, if the player is awinner of the game, the player is provided an award, such as a monetarypayout (such as coins), credits representing monetary value, points ortangible prizes. As illustrated, the casino gaming machine 26 thusincludes a bill validator/acceptor 66 for accepting paper currency and acoin acceptor 68 for accepting coins. Other means of payment, such as acredit card reader, may be provided. An award of winnings in the form ofcoins may be paid to the player via a coin tray 70.

Preferably, the casino gaming machine 26 includes means for a player toprovide input. In one embodiment, this means comprises one or morebuttons. For example, a “spin” button 72 may be provided for permittinga player to start a game. One or more wager buttons 74 may be providedfor a player to select the amount to bet on a particular game. Othermeans of input may be provided, such as a touch-screen display and otherdevices now known or later developed.

A game controller (not shown) is provided for controlling the variousdevices of the gaming machine and for generating game information. Forexample, the game controller may be arranged to generate video and audiodata for presentation by the display and speakers of the casino gamingmachine 26. The game controller may be arranged to detect a signal fromthe coin acceptor indicating the receipt of coins or from the billvalidator regarding accepted bills and for registering creditscorresponding to those inputs, for subtracting credits for wagers placedby a player, and for causing a coin delivery mechanism to deliver coinsfrom a coin hopper to the coin tray 70 for payment of winnings and/orreturn to a player of unwagered credits. Preferably, the one or moreplayer input devices provide an output to the gaming controller for usein play of the game. For example, in response to a “bet one” input by aplayer, the gaming controller is preferably transmitted a signal whichcauses the gaming controller to initiate presentation of the game.

The casino gaming machine 26 may include one or more random numbergenerators for generating random game events and results. As indicatedabove, such a random number generator might be utilized to generate thegame symbols for the positions of a matrix, be utilized to generate thebase symbols, and be utilized to select award values for each symbolposition, among other things.

As indicated, in one embodiment, game information is displayed by avideo display 64 to a player. That display may be of a variety of types,including CRT, LCD, plasma and others. The gaming machine 26 may alsoinclude more than one video display.

In another embodiment, the casino gaming machine 26 may include one ormore physical reels capable of displaying symbols. In such aconfiguration, means are provided for rotating the physical reels. Inone or more embodiments, the means may comprise a mechanical linkageassociated with a spin arm, with movement of the spin arm (a “pull”) bya user causing the reels to spin. In such an arrangement, the reels aregenerally allowed to free-wheel and then stop. In another embodiment,electronically controlled mechanisms are arranged to rotate and stopeach reel. Such mechanisms are well known to those of skill in the art.In this arrangement, actuation of the spin arm or depression a spinbutton causes a controller (not shown) to signal the activation of thespin mechanism associated with one or more of the reels. Preferably, thecontroller is arranged to either turn off the signal to the device(s)effecting the rotation of each or all of the reels or generates a signalfor activating a braking device, whereby the reels are stopped. As iswell known, the combinations of reel positions and their odds of hittingare associated with the controller, and the controller is arranged tostop the reels in a position displaying a combination of indicia asdetermined by the controller based on the combinations and odds. Theprincipal of such an arrangement is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,448,419to Telnaes, which is incorporated herein by reference. For example, thebase symbols might be associated with spinning reels. Sets of basesymbols might be generated by spinning those reels.

Such casino gaming machines 26 may have other configurations, includingother features. For example, the casino gaming machine 26 may include aplayer tracking device, such as a card reader 78 and associated keypad80. Such player tracking devices are well known and may permit the gameoperator to track play of players of the gaming machine. The trackedplay may be utilized to offer player bonuses or awards.

In one embodiment, the casino gaming machine 26 may be configured todispense media, such as printed paper tickets, which have associatedvalue. For example, winnings or unused credits may be returned to theplayer via a printed ticket having value or associated value. In oneembodiment, the casino gaming machine 26 might also be configured toaccept such media for providing credit for game play. Relative to suchcasino gaming machines 26, an accounting server 40 may be used togenerate ticket information to permit the gaming machine to dispense avalue cash-out ticket, or to verify such a ticket which is presented atone of the casino gaming machines 26. Such systems are well known andthus not described in detail herein.

A casino may have numerous such casino gaming machines 26, such aslocated on a casino floor or in other locations. Of course, such casinogaming machines 26 might be used in other environments, such as anairport, a bar or tavern or other locations.

As used herein, the term “casino gaming machine” may include other typesof gaming machines or device. Such might comprise, for example, gamingtables. Such tables may be manually operated or be fully or partiallyautomated. A variety of games may be offered at such tables. Of course,the gaming machines may include other types of devices as well.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention has particular utility togaming machines which include at least one player interface via whichinformation may be presented or displayed to the player. Such aninterface preferably comprises at least one electronic video display.Such a display might comprise, for example, a display of a gamingmachine 26 such as described above, or such might comprise a displaylocated at a gaming table or other device.

As indicated above and as illustrated in FIG. 1, the system 20 of theinvention may further comprise other systems and components. In oneembodiment, the system 20 may further comprise the above-referencedaccounting server/system 40 and/or a player tracking server/system 42 orthe like.

The accounting server 40 may track monetary transactions, includinginformation regarding monetary value provided by a player, amountswagered by a player and amounts won by a player, such as described inmore detail below. The accounting server 40 may a computing device whichhas a processor for executing instructions, a memory for storing datasuch as instructions and monetary value information, and at least onecommunication interface. The accounting server 40 may comprise onedevice or a number of devices which are in communication with oneanother at one or more times. For example, the accounting server 40 maycommunicate with an external data storage device. Additional detailsregarding the account server 40 are described below.

The player tracking server 42 may be configured to store player identityinformation and information regarding the player's gaming or otheractivities, as is well known. The player tracking server 42 may acomputing device which has a processor for executing instructions, amemory for storing data such as instructions and monetary valueinformation, and at least one communication interface. The playertracking server 42 may comprise one device or a number of devices whichare in communication with one another at one or more times. For example,the player tracking server 42 may communicate with an external datastorage device. Additional details regarding the player tracking server42 are described below.

As one aspect of the invention, a player may engage in social networkingfunctions via a presentation device 22. For example, a player may accessa social networking website which is hosted by the social media server24. The player may be required, as is well known in the art of socialmedia networking, to have a social media account. The player may inputlogin or other identifying information in order to access their accountand thus be able to engage in social networking functions which aresupported by the social media network/server 24. Such functions aregenerally well known. For example, various social media sites permitusers to post information which is then accessible by other users of thesite, such as friends of the user. The site may also permit orfacilitate other types of communication links between users and thelike.

In one embodiment, the player may engage in the play of one or moresocial media games. For example, the social media website may include“play games” option. In one embodiment, the social media server 24 maygenerate game information which is transmitted to the player'spresentation device 22.

As indicated above, in one embodiment, the player may be assigned socialmedia points or currency or may purchase social media points orcurrency. The player may utilize the social media points or currency inorder to play the one or more social media games. Winning social mediagame outcomes may include an award of additional points or currency,while a losing game outcome may result in a forfeiture of the points orcurrency. As is known in the art, the number of points of currency whicha player possesses may determine what games the player can play and/orthe size of fictitious wagers which the player can make during gameplay.

It will be appreciated that the social media games may be of varioustypes and have various formats. For example, the social media gamesmight comprise casino-like games such as poker, blackjack, bingo andother games. However, the social media games might compriseaction-adventure games and the like. The games may be single ormulti-player games.

Likewise, the player may play one or more games at the casino gamingmachine 26. A player may travel to a casino and engage in play of agaming machine 26. As indicated above, in a preferred embodiment, one ofmore of those games are offered only as wagering games in which monetaryvalue must be wagered in order to play the game and where winningoutcomes have awards of monetary value. The gaming machine 26 may beconfigured to present any of a wide variety of games which are now knownor later developed, such as video slot games, video card games (such asvideo poker games), keno, bingo, mechanical slot games, lottery games orthe like. Such games may also be single or multi-player games.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a player mayplay a casino game (i.e. a game which is presented by a casino gamingmachine 26) via a presentation device 22, such as via the social mediaserver 24, and/or play a social media game via a gaming device 26.

In one embodiment, a player may utilize a casino gaming machine 26 toplay a social media game. For example, a player may access the socialmedia website/server 24 via the casino gaming machine 26. As describedbelow, the system 20, including the casino gaming machine 26, may beconfigured in various manners to accomplish this.

In one embodiment, the casino gaming machine 26 preferably allows theplayer to play one or more traditional casino-style games. However, thecasino gaming machine 26 may also offer, such as via a menu, the abilityof the player to access one or more social media games. For example, thecasino gaming machine 26 may implement a web browser and provide anInternet connection which allows the user to access the social mediawebsite and access their social media account using their logininformation. At that point, the player may play the one or more socialmedia games.

Most importantly, the social media game information is presented to theplayer via the casino gaming machine 26, rather than via a presentationdevice 22. For example, social media game information may be presentedvia the one or more video displays 64 of the casino gaming machine 26.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a player might access theirFacebook™ page from a casino gaming machine 26. The player might thenelect to play the game Zynga Poker™. As illustrated, the social mediaserver 24 preferably serves or delivers the content to the gamingmachine. As illustrated, this content if preferably displayed by thecasino gaming machine 26, such as on the video display 64.

In this arrangement, the player may play casino-style games and/orsocial media games via a casino gaming machine. Of course, the playermight switch back and forth between those games.

In another embodiment, a player may play a game which is presented via acasino gaming machine 26, at their presentation device 22. In apreferred embodiment, the gaming machine game is presented to the playervia the social media system/server 24.

As one example, a player may access the social media system/server 24via their presentation device 22. The play may, as indicated above,login or otherwise access their account. In one embodiment, the playermay be presented with the option of playing a traditional social mediagame. In accordance with the present invention, however, the player maybe presented with the option of playing a game which is presented via acasino gaming machine 26. In such a configuration, the casino gamingmachine 26 and the social media server 24 are communicatively coupled,whereby game information which is presented by the casino gaming machine26 can be routed to the player's presentation device.

For example, a casino gaming machine 26 may offer the game of BonusPoker. As indicated above, a player might play such a game directly atthe casino gaming machine 26. As illustrated in FIG. 3, a player mightutilize their presentation device 22 to access the social media server24, which in turn links to a casino gaming machine 26. As describedbelow, the system 20 is preferably configured to link the player withthe casino gaming machine 26, whereby the play may play the game (suchas Bonus Poker) via their presentation device 22. Thus, as illustrated,game information regarding the casino game which is presented by thecasino gaming machine 26 is provided to the player's presentation device22.

It is noted that a player might play various types of casino games viathe social media server 24. As indicated above, in one embodiment, sucha game might comprise a video-type game such as video poker or videoslots. As described in detail below, in such an embodiment the videooutput of a controller of a gaming machine may be routed (such as bybeing captured by a secondary controller and forwarded by thatcontroller) to the social media server 24 (and thereon to the player'spresentation device 22). In another embodiment, a player might remotelyplay a mechanical-reel slot casino game. For example, images of the slotreels might be captured or the reel positions or reel symbols might becaptured and translated into video form for presentation by on a videodisplay of the player's presentation device 22 (as one example, reelsymbols are mapped to reel positions and the reel stopping positions aretransmitted from the casino gaming machine to the social media server 24which generates video images of the reel symbols corresponding to thosereel positions and transmits the video images to the player'spresentation device 22). In yet another configuration, a player mightremotely play a casino table game wherein video or other information atthe casino game table is forwarded to the social media server 24 forpresentation at the player's presentation device 22 (for example, imagesof cards on the table could be forwarded or card information could beprovided to the social media server 24 which then generates video imagesof card corresponding to that card data and transmits that videoinformation to the player's presentation device 22).

As yet another aspect of the invention, as indicated above, a player maylink their activities at a casino gaming machine 26 to a socialnetworking experience. For example, as indicated above, a player mightaccess their social media account via a casino gaming machine 26. As isknown in the art of on-line social networking, this may allow the playerto provide information to third parties (such as friends) and/or permitthe player to interact with the third parties.

For example, in one embodiment of the invention a player might link toone or more third parties via the social media server 24. A player mightplay casino games at the casino gaming machine 26 while at the same timechatting with the linked third parties or otherwise posting or providinginformation to those third parties. In one embodiment, such informationmay even include information about the game which the player is playing.For example, a player might play a game of video poker at the casinogaming machine 26. The casino gaming machine 26 might be configured totransmit a video signal or other data to the social media server 24 ofthe game play, thus permitting third parties who are linked to theplayer to see the actual game play at the casino gaming machine 26.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of information which may be displayedby a display of the casino gaming machine 26. As illustrated, thedisplay 64 may include a main area or window 80 which displays gameinformation. The display 64 may include a secondary area or window 82for displaying social media information, such as information which isprovided by a social media server. Such information might comprise, forexample, a social media website graphical user interface or the like.Such information, including interfaces, is well known in the socialmedia/networking art.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, a player of a casino gaming machine 26 may belinked to a third party, such as Friend A, via the social medianetwork/server in a manner which permits the third party to watch theplayer's game play at the casino gaming machine 26. For example, aplayer might play a game of Bonus Poker at the casino gaming machine 26while they are actively linked to a social media network, such asthrough a social media server 24. Friend A who linked to the player viathe social media network may be permitted to view the player'sactivities at the gaming machine. For example, as illustrated, areplicated video stream of the information which is presented to theplayer at the casino gaming machine 26 may be transmitted to the socialmedia server 24 and thereon to Friend A's presentation device 22.

In one embodiment of the invention, aspects of social media activitiesmay be converted or integrated into aspects of activities associatedwith casino gaming machine play, and vice versa.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, monetary creditsassociated with a casino gaming machine 26 may be converted to socialmedia points or currency or vice versa. As indicated above, a player maybe required to wager monetary value in order to play a game at thecasino gaming machine 26. Such value may be represented by one or moremonetary credits (such as where each credit has a specific associatedmonetary value such as $1.00 US, $0.25 US or the like). Likewise, aplayer may purchase or earn social media points or currency. Suchcurrency may, as indicated above, be used by a player in the play of asocial media game.

In one embodiment, the social media currency and gaming machine creditsmay be exchangeable. For example, a player might win $1000.00 at acasino gaming machine 26. Such might be represented as 1000 monetarycredits each having a value of $1.00. The player might elect to simply“cash out” those credits, i.e. be paid the monetary amount which isrepresented by those credits. For example, the casino might pay theplayer $1000.00.

However, the player might alternatively convert the monetary credits tosocial media points or currency. In one embodiment, the monetary creditsmight be converted on a 1 for 1 basis (such as 1 monetary credits isconverted to a corresponding social media point), or based upon aconversion rate or factor, including a transfer fee. For example, 100monetary credits each having a value of $0.25 might be converted into 10social media points with a 10% transfer fee, such that the player wouldreceive 9 social media points.

Likewise, a player might convert social media points or currency intoactual monetary credits for use at a casino gaming machine. Again,various conversion rates, transfer fees and the like might be applied.

In one embodiment, a player might be permitted to convert or exchangesocial media currency and monetary currency or credits at any time. Inother embodiments, the player may also be permitted to do so at certaintimes. For example, a player might be awarded the opportunity to performsuch an exchange upon certain criteria being met or upon certain events,such as a player receiving a particular game outcome. For example, aplayer might be permitted to covert social media currency into monetarycredits upon receiving a winning Four of a Kind poker hand during playof a social media poker game. As another example, a player might bepermitted make such a conversion when they cash out of a gaming machineor stop play of a social media game. As other examples, a player of agaming machine might be awarded a voucher which provides the player witha certain number of social media points or currency or the like if theplayer redeems the voucher by playing a social media game (or viceversa), such as in accordance with terms of the voucher (e.g. play on acertain day, at a particular time, play a particular game, etc.).Similarly, a player might be provided an incentive to play a casinogaming machine or a social media game at a particular time or the like,which incentive might offer the player monetary credits or social mediapoints. For example, a player of a social media game might be awardedmonetary credits which are usable at a casino gaming machine at aparticular date or time (such as during non-peak hours of 2 a.m to 5a.m. at the casino).

In similar fashion, various promotions, bonuses and the like may beoffered or awarded which “bridge” the social media game play and casinogame play spaces. For example, a particular outcome of a game played ata casino gaming machine 26 might result in an award of social mediapoints or currency (rather than monetary credits) to the player, whichpoints or currency may be used by the player in the play of a socialmedia game. Likewise, a particular outcome of a social media game mightresult in an award of monetary credits which are usable by a player toplay a game at a casino gaming machine.

Of course, the games and other activities may be arranged to offervarious types of awards in various fashions. For example, a game whichis playable at a casino gaming machine 26 might comprise a base gamewith a bonus feature. The base game might offer the opportunity formonetary winnings for various outcomes. The bonus game might offer theopportunity for monetary winnings and/or social media currency orpoints, such as depending upon whether the player has elected to linktheir casino game play and social media game play. For example, if it isdetermined that the player has linked their casino game play with theirsocial media game play, the casino gaming machine 26 may be configuredto present the game in a mode or configuration in which all bonus awardsare offered in the form of social media points or currency.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, games which are presented ata casino gaming machine 26 may be linked to a social media game. Thegames might be linked or connected in various manners. For example, botha social media game and a corresponding casino game might offer multiplelevels of play. A player might play one or more levels of the game as asocial media game and then play higher levels of the game at a casinogaming machine (whereby the player is credited with the play of thelower levels of the game via the social media site). Of course, varioustokens, symbols, game outcomes, bonuses and other game features might belinked.

In another embodiment, the outcome of a casino game may be applied as aninput, such as a base input, to a social media game (or vice versa). Asone example, a player might play a video poker game at a casino gamingmachine 26. The outcome of that game, such as a hand of cards, might beused as a starting set of cards in a social media card game.

Aspect of the invention might be implemented in various manners. In oneembodiment, for example, casino gaming machines and associated devicesmay be custom-configured or created for implementing features of theinvention. For example, a casino gaming machine 26 may be configured asa server-type gaming machine in which the gaming machine 26 links to oneor more servers or other devices, thus allowing a variety of content tobe provided to the gaming machine 26. Such a gaming machine 26 wouldthus be able to receive content from a social media server 24.

In one embodiment, various features of the invention may be implementedor facilitated by one or more secondary servers or other devices. Forexample, although not illustrated in FIG. 1, a casino might operate oneor more casino servers. Such a server may serve as a bridge tofacilitate the features of the invention, including the exchange ofinformation between a casino gaming machine and a social media server.For example, a player of a casino gaming machine 26 might make a requestor input to link to a social media site. Such a request might betransmitted from the casino gaming machine 26 over a local network tothe casino server. The casino server might, in turn, send a request tothe social media server 24. Upon receipt of a request, the social mediaserver 24 might send a response (such as graphical user interfacewebsite information). This response might be transmitted to the casinoserver and thereon to the casino gaming machine 24. In thisconfiguration, the casino server is configured to transmit and receiverequest and response information between one or more casino gamingmachines 26 and the social media server 24. Such a casino server mightalso track the exchange of monetary gaming machine credits and socialmedia points or currency

It will also be appreciated that the casino gaming machine 26 may beprogrammed to implement various of the features herein. For example, thecasino gaming machine 26 may be configured to display one or moregraphical user interfaces which permit the player to make variousselections, such as to open a web browser, display social media sitecontent or the like.

In other embodiments, a casino gaming machine 26 may be modified toimplement the features of the invention. Currently there are tens ofthousands of existing casino gaming machines 26 which werecustom-created to present specific games. These gaming machines were notdesigned to permit new games or other content to be presented by themachine without essentially re-programming the entire gaming machine.Such gaming machines are often referred to as “legacy” gaming machines.

In one embodiment, legacy gaming machines may be modified to implementthe present invention. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, agaming machine is retro-fit with a secondary controller. One embodimentof such a configuration is illustrated in FIG. 6.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, in one embodiment a legacy casino gamingmachine has a backplane 100 which supports a main or master gamingcontroller 102. The master gaming controller 102 may comprise a computerprocessing unit and may include one or more associated components, suchas memory devices or the like. In general, the master gaming controller102 is configured to execute machine readable code for use in operatingthe gaming device. For example, the master gaming controller 102 maygenerate signals used to control various components of the gamingmachine and/or generate data for use by those components.

An input/output (I/O) board 104 is associated with the master gamingcontroller 102. The I/O board 104 may be part of the master gamingcontroller 102 or, as illustrated in FIG. 6, be connected to thebackplane 100. The input/output board 104 may include various connectorsor communication ports for use in connecting various components to themaster gaming controller 102 (whereby the master gaming controller 102may provide information, to the components, and/or receive informationfrom those components). As used herein, the information or data may haveany of a variety of forms now known or later developed, whether analogor digital, on/off, numeric, wave form or having any otherconfiguration. The input/output board 104 may, for example, include oneor more serial (such as RS-232), parallel, USB, Firewire® or other typesof connections.

The gaming machine may include a variety of peripheral devices for usein presenting games to a player. For example, the gaming machine mayinclude: a coin acceptor 106 for accepting coins for one or more wagers;a bill validator 108 for accepting paper currency, tickets or otherprinted documents representing value for one or more wagers; a coinhopper 110 for storing received coins and from which coin payouts may bepaid; at least one display 112 for displaying game information, whichdisplay may have an associated touch screen 114 for receiving playertouch input, and a printer 116 for printing tickets or other media. Ofcourse, the gaming machine might have a wide variety of peripherals orother components, including buttons, rotatable arms, joysticks,trackballs, speakers and other devices.

As illustrated, each of these peripheral devices preferably communicateswith the master gaming controller 102 via a communication connectionthrough the I/O board 104 associated with the backplane 100. Theparticular connection might vary. For example, the printer 116 might bea USB-type device and thus interface with the I/O board 104 via a USBconnection and associated port. The coin hopper 110, however, might bean RS-232 type device and connect to the I/O board 104 via a 9 pinconnector. Preferably, the master gaming controller 102 can controlthese various peripheral devices via the communication connectionstherewith.

The various electrical or electro-mechanical devices of the gamingmachine are powered. As illustrated, a power supply 118 may beassociated with the backplane 100. The power supply 118 preferablyconnects to a ground G and an external power source S. The power supply118 preferably provides power to the master gaming controller 102 andthe various peripheral devices of the gaming machine, as illustrated. Inone embodiment, the gaming machine may be configured to implement gamingmachine accounting and player tracking functions. These operations maybe facilitated by a Slot Machine Interface Board or “SMIB” 120. Asillustrated, the SMIB 120 may connect to the master gaming controller102 via the backplane 100, and may communicate with an external server122 via a communication link. In one prior art configuration, the gamingmachine may utilize a Slot Accounting Standard or “SAS” protocol inorder to implement various gaming machine accounting functions (such astracking of wagers, game wins and other information, as is known in theart). Due to the interface with the external server, the gaming machineaccounting information may be obtained or tracked externally to themachine.

In addition, the gaming machine may include a player tracking feature.The player tracking feature may be implemented via components such as akeypad 124, a card reader 126 for reading cards or other media, otherperipheral devices, such as a display 128. The player tracking devicesor components may interface with the SMIB 120, and thus with theexternal server 122. In this manner, information regarding a particularplayer's play may be tracked. For example, a player may insert a playercard having player identification information associated therewith, andthat information may be provided to the server 122. Thereafter, gameplay information may be provided to the server 122, as known to beassociated with the particular player identified by the providedidentification information.

As just described, the gaming machine is a fully integrated andpre-configured device for presenting one or more wagering games to aplayer. As indicated above, however, such a gaming machine has a numberof drawbacks owing to the specific configuration of the device.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a secondarycontroller or interface (SCI) is provided which, when associated with agaming machine, permits the gaming machine to provide additional orsecondary functionality from its basic or pre-configured functionality.In one embodiment, the SCI is particularly suited to use with anexisting gaming machine, including a gaming machine pre-configured inthe manner illustrated in FIG. 1 and described above, or in a mannersimilar thereto.

The SCI, its method of use, its association with a gaming machine andsystem of the invention, will now be described first with reference toFIG. 2. In this figure, the SCI 200 is shown in association with agaming machine configured as illustrated in FIG. 1. As such, theabove-described components have been given like reference numbers.

The SCI 200 preferably comprises hardware, such as one or more circuitboards. The SCI 200 may comprise software, such as machine readablecode. Such software, however, may be implemented as hardware.

In one embodiment, the SCI 200 is configured to communicate with one ormore components of a gaming machine. As such, the SCI 200 includes oneor more ports via which communication links may be established betweenthe SCI 200 and those components. Referring to FIG. 6, in oneembodiment, the SCI 200 is interposed between various of the componentsof the gaming machine and the I/O board 104, and thus the master gamingcontroller 102 (which receives information or signals from the I/O board104 and provides information or signals to the I/O board 104). In thismanner, the SCI 200 can monitor or override instructions or dataprovided to those components by the master gaming controller 102 andmonitor or override instructions or data provided by those componentsand intended for the master gaming controller 102.

As illustrated, the SCI 200 is interposed between the I/O board 104 andthe printer 116, the I/O board 104 and the display 112, and the I/Oboard 104 and the touch screen 114. The SCI 200 may be interposedbetween the I/O board 104 and other of the components. A firstcommunication link C1 is provided between the SCI 200 and the I/O board104. A second communication link C2 is provided between the SCI 200 andthe printer 116. In combination, these communication links C1 and C2permit the master gaming controller 102 to still communicate with theprinter 116 through the SCI 200 (preferably as controlled or monitoredby the SCI 200). In addition, however, this configuration permits theSCI 200 to communicate directly with the printer 116.

Similarly, a first communication link C3 is provided between the SCI 200and the I/O board 104. A second communication link C4 is providedbetween the SCI 200 and the display 112. In combination, thesecommunication links C3 and C4 permit the master gaming controller 102 tostill communicate with the display 112 through the SCI 200 (preferablyas controlled or monitored by the SCI 200). In addition, thisconfiguration permits the SCI 200 to communicate directly with thedisplay 112.

A first communication link C5 is provided between the SCI 200 and theI/O board 104. A second communication link C6 is provided between theSCI 200 and the touch screen 114. In combination, these communicationlinks C5 and C6 permit the master gaming controller 102 to stillcommunicate with the touch screen 114 though the SCI 200 (preferably ascontrolled or monitored by the SCI). In addition, this configurationpermits the SCI 200 to communicate directly with the touch screen 114.

It will be appreciated that the communication protocols utilized betweenthe various components and the configuration of the communication portsand links may vary dependent primarily upon the configuration of thecomponents. For example, if the printer 116 is configured as a USB typedevice, a USB communication protocol and associated ports may beutilized. In other embodiments, parallel, serial or other communicationprotocols and configurations may be utilized. The communication linksmay be wired or wireless.

In one embodiment, a communication link C7 is provided between the SCI200 and the I/O board 104. In a preferred configuration, thecommunication link C7 is established between the SCI 200 and a secondarySAS port of the master gaming controller 102. In particular, one commonconfiguration for the master gaming controller 102 is to have twocommunication ports through which communications may be establishedusing the SAS protocol. As indicated above, in a common gaming machineconfiguration, the master gaming controller 102 may communicate with theSMIB 120 via one of these ports, generally the “primary” port. In apreferred configuration, the SCI 200 is connected to the master gamingcontroller 102 via the secondary port.

Yet another communication link C8 is provided between the SCI 200 and atleast one external device. Preferably, that device comprises at leastone server 202. The SCI 200 may transmit information over thiscommunication link C8 to the server 202 and/or receive information overthis link from the server 202. It will be appreciated that the SCI 200might be configured to communicate with more than one external device,such as more than one server or other sources of information, either viaone or more communication links. In one embodiment, the server orservers 202 may include a game management system, a media managementsystem and/or a feed of media content (such as television/cable).

In a preferred embodiment, the server or servers 202 performsvalidation/redemption functions. In such an embodiment, the server orservers 202 may communicate with one or more external SMIBs 203, whichSMIBs 203 is communication with the gaming system external server 122(which may perform host accounting and/or player tracking functions,among others). The number of external SMIBs 203 may vary, such as toensure that a sufficient number of SMIBs exist to process transactionsforwarded by the SCI 200.

Power may be provided to the SCI 200 from a dedicated power source orvia the power source S to the gaming machine.

In this configuration, the interposition of the SCI 200 into the gamingmachine does not interfere with the normal operation of the gamingmachine. In particular, the gaming machine may present one or morewagering games or other events or activities to a player, as the gamingmachine was originally designed. For example, in the presentation of agame, the master gaming controller 102 generates game data for displayby the display 112. This data is simply transmitted to the I/O board 104and then along communication links C3 and C4 to the display 112, throughthe SCI 200. Likewise, a player's touch input to the touch screen 114 istransmitted to the master gaming controller 102 via communication linksC5 and C6 through the SCI 200.

In one embodiment, various features of the invention may be implementedthrough the SCI 200. For example, the SCI 200 may connect to a casinoserver 202 which, in turn, connects to a social media server 24 (thoughit is also possible for the SCI 200 to connect directly to a socialmedia server 24 via a communication link). In this manner, game contentwhich is generated at the gaming machine 26 by the master gamingcontroller 102 or the SCI 200 may be provided to the social media server24. As indicated above, for example, such might comprise informationregarding a game which a player is playing, which information may thenbe broadcast to the player's social media friends. Likewise, informationor content which is generated externally, such as at the social mediaserver 24, may be provided to the gaming machine 26. For example, socialmedia game information may be transmitted from a social media server 24via a communication link to the SCI 200 of the gaming machine 26, thuspermitting that information to be displayed by the gaming machine 26.

As one example, the SCI 200 may capture the video output of the gamingcontroller 102. The SCI 200 may then route that video information to asocial media server for transmission to a third party. Likewise, inputfrom a user of a social media website could be routed from the socialmedia server to the SCI 200 for transmission to the gaming controller102.

As indicated herein, in one or more embodiment, aspects of a player'sactivities may be tracked. In one embodiment, a player's casino gamingactivities may be tracked by a player tracking system, such as via theplayer tracking server 42. Such systems are well known in the art andare thus not described in detail herein. Of course, the player's socialmedia activities may be tracked by the social media server, as alsoknown to those of skill in the art.

In one embodiment of the invention, social media account information andcasino player tracking account information may be shared or linked. Forexample, a player may link their social media account login informationto their casino player card. When the player utilizes their casinoplayer card at a casino gaming machine, the gaming machine may haveaccess to the player's social media account login information. Thus, ifthe player provides an input to the casino gaming machine indicatingthat they would like to accesses their social media account, theiraccount login information may automatically be transmitted to the socialmedia server without the player having to input that information at thecasino gaming machine.

Likewise, if the player is utilizing their social media account via apresentation device and the player seeks to play a casino gamingmachine, the player's presentation device or the social media server maytransmit the player's casino player account information to the casinoserver or casino gaming machine. In this manner, the player isidentified to the casino system, such as to track the player's play andaward player loyalty rewards and the like.

In one embodiment, the SCI 200 may again serve as the link betweenaspects of a social media system and a casino system. For example,player tracking information from a casino player tracking system may betransmitted via the SCI 200 to a social media server, such as forlinking or exchanging player play information. Likewise, the SCI 200 mayserve as the interface for exchanging information regarding monetarycredits and social media currency. For example, a “convert” instructionas to monetary credits at a casino gaming machine may be transmittedfrom the gaming controller 102 to the SCI 200, which then interfaceswith a social media currency feature of a social media system (forexample, the SCI 200 then becomes a bridge or link between the casinoaccounting system and a social media accounting server), therebyeffecting the conversion.

It will be understood that the above described arrangements of apparatusand the method there from are merely illustrative of applications of theprinciples of this invention and many other embodiments andmodifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention as defined in the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of playing a social media gamecomprising: receiving input from a player of a casino gaming machine toplay a social media game; forming a communication link from said casinogaming machine to a social media system transmitting social mediaaccount information of said player of said casino gaming machine to saidsocial media system server; transmitting a selection by said player ofsaid casino gaming machine of a social media game to be played; andpresenting social media game information received by said casino gamingmachine at said casino gaming machine; whereby said user is permitted toparticipate in the play of a social media game offered by a social mediasystem via a casino gaming machine.